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Spider Solitaire
The two-deck solitaire classic. Arrange the cards into ten columns of King-to-Ace runs in one suit; each finished run leaves the table. Start with 1 suit to learn, then try 2 or 4 suits for a real challenge.
Score500
Moves0
Time0:00
You won!
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How to use the Spider Solitaire
- Choose 1, 2 or 4 suits. One suit is the easiest; four suits is the hardest.
- Move cards by dragging them, or click a card to send it to the best column. A card can go on any card one rank higher, of any suit, or into an empty column.
- Move runs together: a run of cards in order and of the same suit (for example 9♥ 8♥ 7♥) can be moved as a group.
- Deal a new row by clicking the stock at top right when you run out of moves. Every column must have at least one card first.
- Complete a run from King down to Ace in one suit and it is removed to a foundation. Clear all eight runs to win.
Spider Solitaire rules in short
| Area | What happens there |
|---|---|
| Tableau (10 columns) | 54 cards are dealt: 6 in each of the first four columns and 5 in the others, with only the top card face up. Place any card on a card one rank higher, of any suit. Face-down cards turn over when they are uncovered. |
| Moving groups | A run of cards in order and of the same suit can be moved together. Mixed-suit runs can only be split apart one same-suit group at a time. |
| Empty columns | Any card or same-suit run can be moved into an empty column. |
| Stock (top right) | 50 cards, dealt 10 at a time: one face-up card onto every column. You can't deal while a column is empty. |
| Foundations (top left) | A complete run from King down to Ace in one suit is removed automatically. Remove all 8 runs to win. |
Difficulty levels
| Mode | Cards used | What makes it hard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 suit (beginner) | 8 sets of spades | Every run is the same suit, so any ordered run can be moved and completed. |
| 2 suits (intermediate) | 4 sets each of spades and hearts | Runs that mix spades and hearts can't be moved as a group, so you need to sort them out. |
| 4 suits (expert) | 2 full decks | Same-suit runs are rare; empty columns and careful planning become essential. |
Spider Solitaire strategy tips
- Uncover face-down cards first. Moves that turn over a hidden card give you new options; prefer them over moves that just shuffle face-up cards.
- Build in suit whenever you can. If two cards could take your 7, put it on the 8 of the same suit: same-suit runs can be moved later, mixed ones can't.
- Empty a column early. An empty column is the most powerful tool in Spider: it lets you rearrange runs and dig out buried cards.
- Don't deal too soon. A new row covers every column. Make all useful moves first, and try to place Kings and long runs before dealing.
- Use undo to explore. If you're not sure which column to work on, try a line of play and undo if it leads nowhere. It costs only one point per undo.
Keyboard: Tab to a card and press Enter to move it, D to deal, H for a hint and Ctrl + Z to undo.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules of Spider Solitaire?
Spider uses two decks (104 cards). 54 cards are dealt into ten columns, with only the top card of each face up; the other 50 form the stock. You can place a card on any card one rank higher, regardless of suit, and you can move a group of cards together if they are in order and of the same suit. A complete King-to-Ace run in one suit is removed. Remove all eight runs to win.
What is the difference between 1, 2 and 4 suits?
With 1 suit all 104 cards are spades, so every run you build can be moved and completed. With 2 suits there are spades and hearts, and with 4 suits all four suits appear, which makes same-suit runs much harder to build. Most players win the large majority of 1-suit games and far fewer 4-suit games.
When can I deal from the stock?
You can deal at any time as long as no column is empty. Each deal puts one face-up card on every one of the ten columns. The stock holds five deals in total.
How is Spider Solitaire scored?
You start with 500 points. Every move, deal and undo costs 1 point, and each completed King-to-Ace run earns 100 points. Faster games with fewer moves score higher.
Is every Spider Solitaire game winnable?
No. Some deals can't be won no matter how you play, especially with 4 suits. With 1 suit the vast majority of games can be won with careful play, and unlimited undo lets you try different plans.
Is my game saved?
Yes. Your current game, score and timer are stored in your browser, so you can close the page and continue later. Your wins, best score and streak are kept separately for each difficulty.
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